Microsoft is still trying to sort things out following a glitch on Friday that prevented people from getting a promised 40 percent cash back on purchases made on HP.com via Microsoft's Live Search Cashback program.

A crush of traffic led to a glitch that apparently led to a number of problems. Some shoppers were credited with only 3 percent cash back, rather than the promised 40 percent. Microsoft has said all those who made purchases through Live Search during the Black Friday promotion would get the higher rebate.

But some folks were unable to make their purchase at all on Friday. A Microsoft spokesperson told CNET News in a statement Monday that the HP promotion would be restarted in the coming days. However, that statement appears to have been premature.

In a blog post late on Tuesday, the software maker offered a much more vague statement.

"We're working actively to determine next steps for any specific HP promotions," according to the post, which was attributed to Rajat Taneja, Microsoft's general manager of worldwide commercial search. "We regret that we don't have more specific details at this time, but we can point customers to other Live Search cashback merchants with great deals on HP products, including eBay, which is currently offering 20 percent cashback."

The glitch was an unfortunate blow to Microsoft, shifting what could have been a banner day for Live Search cashback into another online black eye for the company.

About the author

During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina.
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